Message: “Embracing Emotional Support: A Biblical Journey” from Joe Summers

Title: **"Embracing Emotional Support: A Biblical Journey"** Lesson Objective: To discuss the need for emotional support in those special times Scripture: Ruth 1: 16-17 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” *Definition of emotional support* Emotional support is an intentional verbal and nonverbal way to show care and affection for one another. By providing emotional support to another person, you offer them reassurance, acceptance, encouragement, and caring, making them feel valued and important Understand the role of the giver in provison of emotional support. Ruth 1: 16-17 a. Where is Naomi seeking her emotional support? b. Who is providing the emotional support in this scripture? 1 Samuel 18: 1-4 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. a. What emotional support did Jonathan give David? b. What emotional support did David give Jonathan? Jesus’ Model of Emotional Support - **Jesus as a Supporter:** Discuss how Jesus provided emotional support to those around Him. John 11: 34-36 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” Jesus and Lazarus’ family Focus on Jesus’ empathy and compassion, showing His emotional connection with Mary and Martha in their grief. Why did Jesus weep? Jesus and His Disciples (John 13:34-35). A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus nurtured a supportive community among His disciples, teaching them to love and support one another. **Part 3: The Early Church and Community Support - **Community in Action:** Highlight how the early church practiced emotional support. - **Scripture: ** Acts 2:42-47. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Discuss the communal life of the early Christians, focusing on how they supported each other not just materially but also emotionally. Scripture: Galatians 6:2. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Explain the concept of “bearing one another's burdens” and how this is a form of emotional support. Other examples of Biblical emotional support **Job and His Friends (Initially) (Job 2:11-13):** When Job faced immense suffering, his friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar came to "mourn with him and to comfort him." Initially, they sat with him in silence for seven days and nights, offering support through their presence, which is a profound example of empathetic companionship in times of distress **Esther and Mordecai (Book of Esther):** Mordecai and Esther's relationship is one of mutual support. Mordecai's guidance and encouragement were crucial for Esther as she prepared to approach the king, a potentially life-threatening endeavor. . **Peter’s Restoration (John 21:15-19):** After Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus provided emotional support and restoration to Peter after His resurrection. He gently asked Peter three times if he loved Him, allowing Peter to affirm his commitment and helping him overcome his guilt and shame . **Elijah and God (1 Kings 19:4-18):** Elijah felt deeply discouraged and isolated. God provided emotional support not through grand gestures but through gentle whispers, providing sustenance and rest, and reminding Elijah that he was not alone. **The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11):** In this story, Jesus shows compassion and support to a woman who was publicly shamed and in danger of being stoned. He diffuses the situation and speaks to her with kindness, offering her a chance to start anew without condemnation Why is it difficult to find emotional support? Afraid to ask Matthew 7: 7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Practical Application in Today’s Context (5 minutes)** - **Small Groups:** Encourage forming small groups for sharing life experiences and supporting each other. ( Bible Study Groups) - **Mentorship Programs:** Suggest establishing mentorship relationships between older and younger members. - **Prayer and Counseling:** Emphasize the importance of prayer and, if necessary, professional counseling in dealing with emotional challenges. Conclusion Summarize need for emotional support Be a giver and a receiver Reach out and pay attention to those around you .

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